Desert birding habitat

Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access is a productive birding destination in California, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/29/2026stakeout Wood Stork, Chino Hills (2026)1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5/29/2026Hilltop Park1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

5/29/2026Hilltop Park2 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Trail1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/28/2026Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/28/2026Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857343 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/2026La Colina Bonita1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/27/2026

Mallard

145/27/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

35/27/2026

Mourning Dove

55/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

American Coot

95/27/2026

Killdeer

45/27/2026

Western Grebe

65/27/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/27/2026

Green Heron

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/27/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

35/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access for birding?
The best months to visit Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access?
Notable species at Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access?
Birding at Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access?
Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.